The Gun, Docklands — Restaurant in London

🚇 Canary Wharf 🍺 £7.70 Asahi

This riverside pub sits right on the Thames in Docklands, just across from the West India Docks. The nearest Tube is Canary Wharf on the Jubilee Line.

A pub has stood at this site since the early 18th century—originally as The King and Queen (1722), then Rose and Crown, Ramsgate Pink, and finally The Gun in 1771, named after a cannon fired to mark the opening of the West India Docks.

Admiral Lord Nelson reportedly lived nearby and met Lady Emma Hamilton in secret here—now the River Room. Smugglers are also rumoured to have used tunnels beneath the pub to stash contraband.

The pub is divided into several rooms, each with its own charm. There’s a traditional servery and elegant dining room on entry. A snug lined with antique guns leads to a terrace. Then the Red Room, the oak-panelled Cabin Room (with a hidden Lord Nelson painting), and upstairs, the historic River Room. The Conservatory is the highlight, with views across the Thames to Greenwich. There’s also a riverside garden with its own bar, pizza kitchen, and stylish huts.

The beer lineup features a good mix of keg and cask. I went for an Asahi—my pint was spot on, though the price was a little steep. The award-winning food menu includes elevated gastropub dishes. Fish & chips is £24, roasts are served Sundays, and pizzas are available too.

I visited just before noon on a warm, sunny Saturday in June. The pub had only just opened and had a relaxed atmosphere. I was lucky enough to get a guided tour from one of the managers, who was lovely and a consummate host. The service was first-class—friendly, welcoming, and always with a smile.

History, charm, riverside views, top-notch food and drink, and impeccable service — @thegundocklands has it all. Visiting this pub was a fantastic experience, loved it.

📅 14th June 2025

If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on...

The Gun might pride itself on its heritage and charm, but the way it operates shows complete disregard for the people who actually live here. Their delivery trucks routinely block the road, sometimes for 10 minutes, mostly for over half an hour bringing traffic to a standstill and being stuck on the road. Yesterday, I was stuck with my newborn while the drivers stood around chatting, showing zero urgency or concern. Luckily if it wasn’t for my foward planning, we’d have been late for his first ever gp appointment. It’s a shame living amongst the Gun means you need to plan your day with a 30-1hr buffer for things like this.

What’s most frustrating is that there’s a perfectly good slip just a few metres up the road where these trucks could easily pull in without causing chaos. But apparently, being disruptive to their local community is more convenient for them.

It’s disappointing to see a supposedly reputable establishment behave so thoughtlessly. Until they learn to respect their neighbours, The Gun doesn’t deserve the goodwill of the Docklands community.

EDIT:

In response to the owner is hilarious that the 2 media I have on the review are waste collections (maybe also their beer deliveries) which could easily be taken to the slip off the side road or the gated entrance to the estate next door. There really isn’t any logical reason for this other than to make it more convenient for you at the expense of everyone else. In addition, your staff witness and I’ve asked many times inside if they can move to which I get shrugs and confused individuals. Sometimes the staff even stand outside to watch. I appreciate getting back to me in a less aggressive tone than the other reviewer who had similar complaints, but this ain’t something that needs to be discussed over tea. Just be more...

I recently visited The Gun in Canary Wharf for a Sunday roast and overall, it was a mixed experience. I opted for the beef roast, which was exceptionally good. The meat was cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavour, making it the highlight of the meal. However, the Yorkshire pudding was a bit of a letdown. It seemed a little old and wasn't as fresh as I would have liked, leaving it somewhat floppy instead of the crispy texture I prefer. The roast potatoes, too, were disappointing; they were soggy and lacked the crispiness one expects from a good Sunday roast. Despite these issues, the meal was quite flavourful, and given the reasonable pricing, I can't fault the food too much.

The service at The Gun was impeccable, as it always is. The staff were attentive and friendly, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

After our meal, we visited the Tiki Max bar outside by the river. Unfortunately, this part of the visit left much to be desired. For the price they charge for drinks, I expected the venue to be better maintained. There were cobwebs all around the fence, and the general upkeep of the area seemed neglected. A little bit of TLC is definitely needed, especially given the premium pricing. It takes minimal effort to clean cobwebs, and the overall appearance of the outside area detracts from what could be a much more enjoyable experience.

In summary, while the food and service inside The Gun were quite good, the outdoor area at the Tiki Max bar could use significant improvement. With a bit more attention to detail in maintaining the venue, The Gun could offer an all-around...